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Jacob Nelson Foran, known as “Nelson” by everyone who knew him, died at his East Hampton home on July 21, 2017, of multiple myeloma, which was diagnosed in January of this year. His partner of 35 years, Richard Swift was by his side. Mr. Foran was 85.
Born in Richmond Hill, Queens, on August 19, 1931, he entered the U.S. Navy after high school. Returning home Mr. Foran moved to New York City and started a successful career working in the architectural furniture industry. Upon moving first to Sag Harbor and then to East Hampton, he started a new and rewarding career in advertising sales, retiring at the age of 70. A resident of the South Fork for almost 35 years and a weekend visitor for more than 50 years, he always loved the beauty and uniqueness of the different villages and hamlets that comprise this place he called home, survivors said.
Mr. Foran was a man of many passions. His love and knowledge of the arts—especially opera, classical music, ballet—were all a constant source of joy and pleasure for him throughout his life and he gladly shared that knowledge with anybody who cared to learn. He was a wonderful cook and host, loved books, museums, traveling, especially to his beloved Italy, France and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
He was a great storyteller and all his stories had a beginning, middle and end that people would listen to with rapt attention and delight. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word with a courtly manner, superb wit and irresistible charm, survivors said. A dear friend said of him, “his presence was golden; he had an aura about him that was contagious, he was just a gift that graced this planet. Nelson left the world a more joyful place for his having visited and he will be missed by many.”
Besides Mr. Swift, he is survived by two sisters, Carol Apkarian of Arizona and Kate Leder of California; his 95-year-old aunt, Grace Wempa of Patchogue; cousins, Claire Schatz, Sharon Bertuccio, and Jay Wempa; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be sent to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Jul 24, 2017